Hvar Blue Cave & Pakleni Islands Small Group Day Tour

Summary

Swim caves, hidden bays & island flavors from Hvar

You’ll ride a speedboat from Hvar with a small group and local skipper, swimming in sunlit caves and exploring Stiniva Cove’s secret beach. Experience Biševo’s glowing Blue Cave, unwind at Palmižana on Pakleni Islands, and enjoy flexible stops based on weather and mood—plus bottled water and snorkels included for easygoing adventure.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a snorkel before I’ve even sat down on the speedboat — I’m still fumbling with my bag. Our skipper, Luka, grins and says something about “good swimming today.” The air smells like sunscreen and salt. We leave Hvar’s harbor behind fast, spray catching my face (I didn’t mind). The first stop is the Green Cave. There’s this beam of sunlight cutting through the ceiling — it feels like standing in a cathedral but you’re floating instead. I tried to say “Modra Špilja” right but Luka just laughed, so I gave up and dove in.

Stiniva Cove is next. You have to swim or take a tiny boat through this narrow slit in the cliffs — it looks impossible from afar. The water’s cold at first but then you don’t notice because it’s so clear you can see your own toes on the sand. There’s a little bar tucked under the rocks where someone poured us bitter coffee and we dried off on warm stones. The main keyword here is day trip Blue Cave Hvar — everyone talks about it but honestly, Stiniva might be my favorite part.

At Biševo for the Blue Cave, we wait our turn with other travelers — some quietly excited, others pretending not to be nervous about ducking into that low entrance. Inside: everything glows blue, even people’s faces for a second. It’s quick (maybe 15 minutes) but weirdly memorable; I still think about that color sometimes when I close my eyes. Afterward, Luka picks a bay on Vis just for us — he says he chooses based on “the group vibe.” That means we end up somewhere quiet where rosemary grows wild above the rocks and nobody else is around except one old fisherman waving from his boat.

The last stop is Palmižana on Pakleni Islands. No cars here — just sandy paths lined with cactus and lavender. Lunch by the sea tastes like olive oil and grilled fish; there’s always someone laughing nearby in Croatian or Italian or maybe both. We swim again before heading back to Hvar as the light gets soft over the water. Didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end of it all… but yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to caves and beaches

• Meet at Hvar main port
• Boat ride to Green Cave
• Swim or boat into Green Cave
• Visit Stiniva Cove for swimming
• Arrive at Blue Cave dock
• Buy tickets and wait at Blue Cave
• Enter Blue Cave by small boat
• Visit hidden bay on Vis island
• Relax and swim at Palmižana beach
• Return boat ride to Hvar

Top questions

How long does the Blue Cave & Pakleni Islands tour from Hvar take?

The tour typically lasts most of the day, starting around 10:30 am with several stops before returning to Hvar in the evening.

Is entry to the Blue Cave included in the tour price?

No, Blue Cave tickets are purchased separately at Biševo (12–18 EUR depending on season).

Can you swim inside the Green Cave?

Yes, you can choose to swim into the Green Cave or enter by small boat after buying your ticket.

What should I bring for this day trip from Hvar?

Bring swimwear, towel, sun protection, some cash for cave tickets or drinks, and maybe a light jacket for wind.

Is lunch included at Palmižana?

No set lunch is included; you can buy lunch at one of Palmižana's seaside restaurants.

Are snorkels provided during this tour?

Yes, snorkels are included as part of your day trip equipment.

What happens if weather closes the Blue Cave?

If weather closes the Blue Cave, you'll be offered an alternative stop or full refund before departure.

How many people are usually in each group?

The tour runs with small groups for a more personal experience; exact numbers may vary by boat size.

What’s included

Your day includes speedboat transport with fuel covered, a friendly local skipper guiding each stop according to weather and group mood, bottled water for everyone onboard, use of snorkels if you want them (I did), plus insurance throughout—lunch isn’t included but there are plenty of places at Palmižana if you get hungry after swimming all morning.